Tony Smithers, Executive Director at the HCCVB, Died Suddenly This Weekend

Tony Smithers, age 58, Executive Director at the Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau, died suddenly Saturday evening. Smithers tried to walk the narrow line between traditional tourism in Humboldt County and the demand from a newly legal industry that cannabuisnesses be included. He did so with good humor and deft hands.

Richard Stenger, Media and Marketing Director for the Bureau, sent out a message to Bureau Members this morning saying,

Saturday evening, our executive director Tony Smithers died suddenly at his home, his wife Eileen at his side. We don’t have any more details at this point. But I’ve talked to the family and there are few things I would like to mention.

First, there will be no funeral. There will be a private memorial for family and close friends only. Second, they respectfully request no calls or flowers.

As some of you know, Tony had been battling health problems for some time. As it turns out, so have other members of his family too. Those medical bills have taken a considerable toll on the family.
For those who would like to honor his life and legacy, there will be a memorial fund set up at Coast Central Credit Union in Eureka.

Thank you and God Bless.

Yours,
Richard Stenger
Eureka-Humboldt Visitors Bureau